I took some photos of birds during my visit to Costa Rica that I kind of like. I thought I'd share with you all to see what you think. I'm by no means an expert at this kind of photography and to be quite honest, I have no clue what type of birds any of these are so sorry for know IDs. I shot all of these with a Nikon 70-200mm on a D700 body. Not really a great setup for birds I think as I was constantly wishing I had just a bit more focal length. Since I couldn't get real tight, I tried to incorporate the surroundings in my composition.

Love to hear what you all think. Thanks for looking. Hope I didn't post to many.

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They all look good but, #5 is the winner!

Thanks Jeff. #5 is for sure one of my favs. Not sure what type of bird that is but I saw one swimming and it doesn't do so like a duck. It's whole body was submerged and only the neck and head was above water. At first, I thought it was a snake. Then I realized it was a bird. Apparently, they sun themselves after fishing to dry off their wings. That is what this one was doing.

Originally Posted by anonymouscuban Thanks Jeff. #5 is for sure one of my favs. Not sure what type of bird that is but I saw one swimming and it doesn't do so like a duck. It's whole body was submerged and only the neck and head was above water. At first, I thought it was a snake. Then I realized it was a bird. Apparently, they sun themselves after fishing to dry off their wings. That is what this one was doing.

We have them here along the Gulf Coast. It is called an Anhinga, sometimes known as a "snake bird" for the way its long neck is all that is showing above the water when it swims. They dive for fish, and their wings have little or no oil in them, which keeps them from being buoyant like ducks, etc. It makes it easy for them to dive and stay under water, but they do, as you said, have to dry their wings before they can fly.

Very nice set of photos! Best, Pam

Thanks Pam. Thanks for the I.D. It was interesting because I've never seen a bird swim like it did and like I said, thought it was a snake at first glance.

Anyone know what the last bird is called? I was looking up birds of CR after I posted these and I think it may be a Kingfisher.

Originally Posted by anonymouscuban Anyone know what the last bird is called? I was looking up birds of CR after I posted these and I think it may be a Kingfisher.

Yes, Kingfisher

#2 is my favorite, awesome color

#5 Awesome! I think I got the same guy! Here

Good ste and variety of subjects. The anhinga capture is my fave.

Originally Posted by racer Yes, Kingfisher #2 is my favorite, awesome color

Thank you.

Originally Posted by EphTwoEight #5 Awesome! I think I got the same guy! Here

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Harryb Good ste and variety of subjects. The anhinga capture is my fave.

Thanks Harry. What does "ste" mean?

Originally Posted by anonymouscuban Thank you. Thanks. Thanks Harry. What does "ste" mean?

That is set. One of these years I will get this typing thingie down.

really nice set of images

Nice set , but I will pick 7, Kingfisher , not sure of the variety. I find them very difficult to photograph, and I never seem to have enough lens.

Originally Posted by austinjames really nice set of images

Thank you.

Originally Posted by ashrugged Nice set , but I will pick 7, Kingfisher , not sure of the variety. I find them very difficult to photograph, and I never seem to have enough lens.

I tried several times before to capture these guys and failed. Too far or too fast or both. Then I got lucky with this guy while canoeing down a small canal.